Stuttgart have sacked coach Giovanni Trapattoni.

The veteran boss took charge of the Bundesliga outfit at the start of the season, but he failed to turn them into title challengers and was sacked following Wednesday’s home draw with Werder Bremen.

The 66-year-old Italian, one of the most experienced and successful coaches in the game’s history, was sacked after the first three league games in 2006 brought two draws and a defeat, with no goals scored.

Stuttgart president Erwin Staudt paid tribute to Trapattoni but admitted he had failed to make the expected impact.

“Giovanni Trapattoni is an absolute gentleman and one of the most successful trainers in the world,” said Staudt.

“Nevertheless, his work with the team has not been as efficient and successful as we had hoped.”

Trapattoni leaves the club in seventh place in Die Bundesliga, having secured 27 points from 20 matches.

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